The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde are now 1 win away from winning their 4th straight championship as they won Game 1 of the NCAA Season 100 Finals against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran last June 8 2025.
Redemption After Set 1 Loss for the Lady Blazers
The CSB Lady Blazers capitalized on the Letran Lady Knights’ 12 unforced errors in the opening set, but it was Letran who managed to take the extended frame, with Nicen Colendra and Vanessa Sarie scoring the final two points.
Final Score of Set 1: 28-26
Despite the early stumble, the Lady Blazers bounced back and took control of the next three sets to subdue the determined Lady Knights.
Final Score of Set 2 to 3: 26-24, 25-16
In the fourth set, CSB’s young opposite hitter Clydel Catarig stepped up, firing back-to-back hits from the right wing to hand the defending champions an 11-8 lead. She then switched things up with a smart off-speed shot that caught Letran off-guard, helping CSB extend their advantage to 22-16.
Match point came after Zam Nolasco blocked Sarie’s attack, and the game was sealed when Nolasco capitalized on an over-received ball from Letran’s libero Lara Mae Silva, wrapping up the four-set victory.
Final Score of Set 4: 25-19
CSB’s 3rd year middle blocker Zam Nolasco dominated at the net, racking up 8 massive blocks—capped by a crucial denial of Vanessa Sarie to seal the match.
She ended the game with 21 points on 13 attacks along with 1 ace as she proved to have a pivotal role in the Lady Blazers’ triumph over the Lady Knights.
Courtesy of: NCAA Philippines
Cristy Ondangan added solid support with 14 points, while Mycah Go and Shahanna Lleses also made key contributions, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively.
In a report made by Bea Micaller of GMA News Online, here’s what Zam has to say after their Game 1 win:
“Sobrang laking tulong sa amin nu’ng block kasi ‘yun naman po ‘yung nire-remind sa amin ni coach kasi doon kami kukuha ng kumpiyansa sa laro.”
“Mas tumataas ‘yung confidence namin ‘pag nakaka-block kami.” she added.
Despite the setback, the Letran Lady Knights had bright spots with Vanessa Sarie leading the charge with 19 points and contributing 12 receptions. Gia Maquilang also delivered a strong performance, tallying 15 points along with 10 digs for the Lady Knights.
Even the Series or All Wraps for Season 100?
The Lady Knights would try to even the series in the Best of 3 Finals come Game 2 on Wednesday, June 11.
Will the fans of ladies in navy blue chant “Arriba Letran!” after their victory?
Or will the chant of “Animo Benilde!” be heard across the FilOil EcoOil Centre at San Juan City as the ladies in green and white capture their 4th title in a row?
